Why Deadnaming Is Harmful

You love your name — or you’ve embraced a nickname that you like even more. Either way, your birth name or magnificent moniker means a lot to you. And when someone gets it wrong or insists on calling you something that’s quite cringeworthy, you might feel annoyed or disrespected.

A new name can represent a more affirming life for some transgender or gender nonconforming (someone who doesn’t follow gender stereotypes) people. It’s a fresh start and it gives them a way to finally live in their truth. But when people refuse to acknowledge a person’s new name or continue to use their old name, it can be quite invalidating or traumatic.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Jason Lambrese, MD, explains why it’s important to respect people’s identities and what to do if you make a mistake.

What is deadnaming?

Dr. Lambrese says deadnaming is referring to someone by a name that they didn’t ask you to use.

“A transgender person may decide to no longer use their birth or legal name. Instead, they’ll choose a name that better aligns with their identity. When someone uses their old name after being asked not to, that is what we call ‘deadnaming.’ The person who they once were is dead, but the new person is alive, so their current name should be used.”

Why do people deadname?

It doesn’t always come from a malicious place. Sometimes, it takes time for a person to get used to referring to a friend or family member by a new name. Other people might do it intentionally.

“Sometimes, people are trying to catch up but they’re struggling. And some people are not trying to catch up at all. That’s an important distinction to make. For family members who have known somebody by one name for so many years, it’s challenging to switch that over immediately because our brains automatically associate a name and a pronoun with a person. So, we don’t have to think about what someone’s name is because it comes to us automatically.”

Dr. Lambrese says that making the switch can be even tougher for parents.

“To switch the name is a very conscious thing. Parents now have to stop and think, ‘OK, here’s the name that I now have to use. Here’s the pronoun I have to use.’ But that eventually will become more automatic with practice.”

What should you do if you use someone’s deadname by accident?

It’s quite common to make mistakes. If you mess up, the best thing you can do is apologize and correct yourself.

“If you mess up, it’s OK. Apologize and change course. People really value the apology. You could say something like, ‘I know you asked me to use your preferred name. I’m so sorry. I’m going to be a lot better about it.’ Just own that you messed up and make it clear that it’s not the other person’s fault. Humility is key in all of this.”

How deadnaming can take a toll on mental health

While some of us might not give a second thought about getting someone’s name wrong, deadnaming could give a transgender person the impression that you don’t respect them. It can also be a very stressful and traumatic experience.

“It can remind them of that period in their lives before they could take steps to affirm who they are. Deadnaming might bring them back into those more negative times in their lives. And often, that gender dysphoria (distress that comes from one’s sex assigned at birth not lining up with their true gender identity) can be associated with depression and anxiety.”

How a preferred name can make a positive difference

One study took a look at a group of 129 transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. The study showed that when transgender youth can use their chosen name, they experience fewer symptoms of depression and less suicidal ideation and behavior. Also, having the ability to use their preferred name in multiple contexts affirms their gender identity and helps lower mental health risks.

What can be done to reduce the chances of deadnaming?

Dr. Lambrese says that it helps when preferred names can be used in places that don’t require legal names. For instance, if badges must be worn, it’s better when someone can have their preferred name on theirs. This cuts down on any confusion. The same goes for email addresses. As for schools, it could be as simple as asking how a child wants to be addressed.

What we can do if someone is intentionally being disrespectful

There’s always going to be that one person who “doesn’t get it” or refuses to be respectful. In these cases, it helps when we can be advocates for our friends or loved ones.

What transgender or gender nonconforming people can do when they aren’t being heard

The weight of a deadname can be quite crushing. If you’ve had a terrible experience and it’s left you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, reach out. Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you or talking to a mental health professional can help ease the pain.

“Those positive connections will overtake negative ones. We often remember negative experiences, but those positive experiences are much stronger. Having those positive connections and using some coping skills can help people work through stress, anxiety or depression.”

Activities that could help you cope with a deadnaming incident

Dr. Lambrese suggests trying the following in the moment:

• Take three deep breaths and walk away from the situation.
• Distract yourself by playing a game on your phone or doing something that will help you move away from that negative place mentally.
• Talk to other LGBTQ+ folks who understand what you’ve been through or connect with a local LGBTQ+ community center.
• If you find that the incident impacted your mood or triggered anxiety, talk to a mental health provider for extra support.

When an incident like this happens to a kid, Dr. Lambrese encourages the young people that he works with to talk to a trusted adult. It’s great if that person is a parent, but they can also confide in a teacher, coach or leader who understands.

“Is there an aunt or uncle who’s been supportive? Maybe there’s a teacher at school, a coach or the drama club leader who they can talk to and say, ‘Here’s what I’m going through. This has been very hard for me.’ Having someone at school or other group activities who can be their advocate is truly meaningful.”